Computerized structural mechanics for 1990's: Advanced aircraft needs

The needs for computerized structural mechanics (CSM) as seen from the standpoint of the aircraft industry are discussed. These needs are projected into the 1990's with special focus on the new advanced materials. Preliminary design/analysis, research, and detail design/analysis are identified as major areas. The role of local/global analyses in these different areas is discussed. The lessons learned in the past are used as a basis for the design of a CSM framework that could modify and consolidate existing technology and include future developments in a rational and useful way. A philosophy is stated, and a set of analyses needs driven by the emerging advanced composites is enumerated. The roles of NASA, the universities, and the industry are identified. Finally, a set of rational research targets is recommended based on both the new types of computers and the increased complexity the industry faces. Computerized structural mechanics should be more than new methods in structural mechanics and numerical analyses. It should be a set of engineering applications software products that combines innovations in structural mechanics, numerical analysis, data processing, search and display features, and recent hardware advances and is organized in a framework that directly supports the design process

Towards a More General Type of Univariate Constrained Interpolation With Fractal Splines

Recently, in [Electronic Transaction on Numerical Analysis, 41 (2014), pp. 420-442] authors introduced a new class of rational cubic fractal interpolation functions with linear denominators via fractal perturbation of traditional nonrecursive rational cubic splines and investigated their basic shape preserving properties. The main goal of the current article is to embark on univariate constrained fractal interpolation that is more general than what was considered so far. To this end, we propose some strategies for selecting the parameters of the rational fractal spline so that the interpolating curves lie strictly above or below a prescribed linear or a quadratic spline function. Approximation property of the proposed rational cubic fractal spine is broached by using the Peano kernel theorem as an interlude. The paper also provides an illustration of background theory, veined by examples.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Synthesis and characteristics of polyarylene ether sulfones

A method utilizing potassium carbonate/dimethyl acetamide, as base and solvent respectively, was used for the synthesis of several homopolymers and copolymers derived from various bisphenols. It is demonstrated that this method deviates from simple second order kinetics; this deviation being due to the heterogeneous nature of the reaction. Also, it is shown that a liquid induced crystallization process can improve the solvent resistance of these polymers. Finally, a Monte Carlo simulation of the triad distribution of monomers in nonequilibrium copolycondensation is discussed

Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca

The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's functional connectivity. Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage of Amazonian indigenous origin with legal status in Brazil in religious and scientific settings. In this context, we use tools and concepts from the theory of complex networks to analyze resting state fMRI data of the brains of human subjects under two distinct conditions: (i) under ordinary waking state and (ii) in an altered state of consciousness induced by ingestion of Ayahuasca. We report an increase in the Shannon entropy of the degree distribution of the networks subsequent to Ayahuasca ingestion. We also find increased local and decreased global network integration. Our results are broadly consistent with the entropic brain hypothesis. Finally, we discuss our findings in the context of descriptions of "mind-expansion" frequently seen in self-reports of users of psychedelic drugs.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figure

Particle Dispersion on Rapidly Folding Random Hetero-Polymers

We investigate the dynamics of a particle moving randomly along a disordered hetero-polymer subjected to rapid conformational changes which induce superdiffusive motion in chemical coordinates. We study the antagonistic interplay between the enhanced diffusion and the quenched disorder. The dispersion speed exhibits universal behavior independent of the folding statistics. On the other hand it is strongly affected by the structure of the disordered potential. The results may serve as a reference point for a number of translocation phenomena observed in biological cells, such as protein dynamics on DNA strands.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

National Survey of Noncommunicable Diseases in Seychelles, 2013-2014 (Seychelles Heart Study IV) : methods and main findings

This report provides information on selected summary results of the National Survey of Noncommunicable Diseases in Seychelles in 2013‐2014 (Seychelles Heart Study IV). The survey is also referred shortly as the "2013 Survey" in this report. Overall crude results were reported in a comprehensive report in November 2014. Further detailed analyses and recommendations on particular topics will be performed separately

Characterization of the Noise in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Depth Profiles

The noise in the depth profiles of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is studied using different samples under various experimental conditions. Despite the noise contributions from various parts of the dynamic SIMS process, its overall character agrees very well with the Poissonian rather than the Gaussian distribution in all circumstances. The Poissonian relation between the measured mean-square error (MSE) and mean can be used to describe our data in the range of four orders. The departure from this relation at high counts is analyzed and found to be due to the saturation of the channeltron used. Once saturated, the detector was found to exhibit hysteresis between rising and falling input flux and output counts.Comment: 14 pages, 4 postscript figures, to appear on J. Appl. Phy

2015 Seychelles global school-based student health survey

Introduction : Risky behaviors in school‐aged children, such as unhealthy dietary patterns, lack of physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol and substance use, sexual behavior, can impact their health in the short and long terms. This survey aimed to assess the prevalence of selected risk behaviors and protective factors in students aged 13‐15 years. Methods: The Global School‐based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was conducted in September 2015 in Seychelles. Methods followed the standard methodology of GSHS developed by the World Health Organization, the Centers of Disease Prevention and Control (Atlanta, USA) and other international agencies. A two‐stage cluster sample was used to include a random sample of students in grades S1 to S5, i.e. students aged 11 to 17 years. Students completed a self reported questionnaire, which was anonymous, which included questions from several standard modules of GSHS. In addition, weight and height was measured on the day before the survey and students were asked to report their results in their anonymous response forms

Self-reported adherence and associated factors regarding antihypertensive medication in Seychelles

Introduction. Adherence to medication for asymptomatic disease is often low. We assessed factors associated with good adherence to medication for high blood pressure (HBP) in a country of the African region. Methods. A population-based survey of adults aged 25-64 years (N=1240 and participation rate=73%). Information was available in knowledge attitude and practice, SES and other variables. One question assessed adherence. Good adherence to treatment was defined as answering "I forget very rarely" vs "I forget on 1-2 days in a week" or "I forget on 3 or more days in a week". Results. In a univariate model adherence was strongly associated with belief that hypertension is a long-term disease (OR 2.6, p<0.001) and was negatively associated with concomitant use of traditional medicine (OR 0.36, p<0.005). The following variables tended to be associated with good adherence for HBP treatment: age, SES, BMI, belief that HBP is not symptomatic, going to government's clinics, medium stress level, controlled hypertension, taking statins. The following variables were not associated with good adherence for HBP treatment: education, higher BP, knowing people who had a stroke/MI, suffering from another chronic condition. In a multivariate model, pseudo R2 was 0.14. Conclusion. We built a multidimensional model including a wide range of variable. This model only predicted 14% of adherence variability. Variables associated with good adherence were demographics or related to knowledge attitude and practice. The latter one is modifiable by different type of interventions